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Faulty brakes account for 22% of road accidents when the collision is caused by malfunctioning vehicle parts (which is fortunately only 2% of total car crashes). Despite the rarity of catastrophic brake failure, it's still every driver's nightmare. Avoid becoming part of these statistics by taking your car in for brake servicing twice a year and responding to the following seven signs that your Mazda needs brake repair. more Faulty brakes account for 22% of road accidents when the collision is caused by malfunctioning vehicle parts (which is fortunately only 2% of total car crashes). Despite the rarity of catastrophic brake failure, it's still every driver's nightmare. Avoid becoming part of these statistics by taking your car in for brake servicing twice a year and responding to the following seven signs that your Mazda needs brake repair. Car Tugging to One Side Brake problems rarely appear on both sides of a car at once, so when a fault does occur, you may find your car pulling to the left or right. The car will veer to the side with stronger brake force, so the fault is likely to be on the opposite side. Reduced Stopping Power If your car suddenly has lessened overall stopping power, your brakes have a serious problem. Calmly pull over as safely as you can and don't drive again until you're sure the problem has been resolved. Your brakes may have overheated, which can sometimes temporarily reduce friction between the brake pads and rotors. Burning Smells While Braking When overheating, brakes may emit a burning smell. If a strong smell of burning follows a period when you've used your brakes excessively, pull over before your brakes start to fade. Spongy-Feeling Brake Pedal When brake fluid leaks, it can cause the brake pedal to become soft and spongy. This sensation results from reduced hydraulic pressure inside the leaking brake line. It's dangerous to drive with leaking brake fluid; ask a technician to find and fix the leak as soon as possible. Screeching or Grinding Noises If your brakes become noisy, you might need a new brake pad. Brake pads usually emit a screeching sound when they're nearly finished and a metallic grinding sound if the friction layer disappears altogether. Grinding might also be caused by caliper problems. Odd Vibrations When You Brake If a rotor in your braking mechanism becomes scored or warped out of shape, the irregular surface will generate vibrations whenever the brake pad presses against it. You may feel these vibrations through the steering wheel and brake pedal. Your Mazda Dealer Recommends New Brake Parts As mentioned before, you should ideally have your brakes examined by a professional every six months. During each inspection, the technician can dismantle and examine each brake component and let you know if repairs or replacements are required. Visit Auffenberg Mazda of O'Fallon in Shiloh, IL, for brake servicing and repair. We're a locally trusted dealership providing the region's drivers with excellent cars, deals, financing, maintenance, and customer care.

Overheating is one of the greatest threats to any car's engine. The cooling system protects against this hazard by circulating coolant which draws out and then dissipates heat through the radiator. Learn 7 important signs that your Mazda needs its radiator serviced. If you ever notice any of these symptoms of radiator trouble, head to your nearest Mazda dealership for radiator service before your engine suffers significant damage. more Climbing Engine Temperature Gauge Modern Mazda vehicles have advanced systems to monitor engine heat and let you know the current temperature through a dial on your dashboard. If you ever see the engine temperature gauge creeping upward into the red, pull over and try to figure out what's causing the overheating; it might be a fault in the radiator. Ticking Sounds from the Engine When an engine becomes dangerously hot, friction builds and certain engine parts expand, causing components to struggle against each other. This often results in odd ticking or thumping sounds, which should never be ignored. Sudden Loss of Engine Power While overheating, your engine will also rapidly lose power. You'll find that you can't accelerate as quickly as usual, and you may be unable to reach sufficient speeds on the highway. Coolant Puddling Under Your Car Radiators can sometimes leak coolant, which will prevent the cooling system from working effectively. In the case of a leak, you might notice a brightly colored fluid puddling under your car. Internal or External Radiator Rust You can visually examine your radiator for signs of damage or corrosion. Radiators are sometimes susceptible to rust. It's best to clean away any rust you find unless it's so extensive that the radiator needs to be replaced. It's also possible for radiators to rust on the inside, which sometimes happens when coolant degrades and loses its anti-corrosion properties. If your radiator has internal rust, the coolant inside the transparent reservoir will gradually become rusty brown in hue. Damaged Radiator Fins The fins of a radiator allow the coolant to efficiently release heat. If the fins of your radiator have become clogged up with dirt, leaves, mulch, or other debris, clean it away to allow cool air to flow between the fins. However, if any of the fins have been damaged by stray stones or an impact, the whole radiator might have to go. Your Mazda Dealer Finds a Fault Routine servicing is important for proper radiator maintenance. You should have your cooling system periodically serviced by an experienced technician. While inspecting and pressure-testing the radiator's various parts, the technician will find and fix any faults before they cause a more serious problem Have your radiator inspected, repaired, or replaced today at Auffenberg Mazda of O'Fallon in Shiloh, IL. Our full-service dealership serves as a dependable one-stop shop for all your Mazda-related needs.

As your Mazda dealer, we live by the Mazda service promise of exceptional service, clear communication, and ease of scheduling maintenance and repairs. Whether it’s a regular service plan to take care of preventative maintenance or our exclusive car wash club, we have outstanding services that your neighborhood garage doesn’t offer, which take your Mazda ownership experience to the next level. Check out four important services offered by your local Mazda Dealer to ensure exceptional service and performance for the life of your car. more Preventative Maintenance The best way to keep your Mazda driving well and on the road for years to come is through routine preventative maintenance. Your vehicle will have a recommended service schedule based on the unique needs of the model you drive. We complete a variety of services as part of routine maintenance, like oil changes, filter replacements, battery inspections, and brake inspections. We can run engine diagnostics during scheduled maintenance to catch problems early and ensure your vehicle runs smoothly. We can also do a tune-up for you. Tune-ups include replacing the air and fuel filters, the oxygen sensor, spark plug wires, and the positive crankcase ventilation or PCV valve. During any routine maintenance, we can also check your fluid levels, change your wiper blades, and rotate your tires. Prepaid Maintenance Plans To make preventative maintenance for your vehicle as easy as possible, you can purchase a pre-paid plan when you buy a new Mazda. Two levels are available: Gold and Platinum. Choose anywhere from one to four years of coverage with the Gold plan. Oil and oil filter changes and multi-point inspections based on your vehicle's scheduled maintenance guide are included. The Platinum plan can be purchased for up to five years of coverage and adds tire rotations, as needed, to the oil change and inspection services. Automotive Repair The more miles you put on your Mazda, the more parts will begin to wear out and break down. Our service department will fix your vehicle and replace worn or damaged parts with genuine Mazda parts. Some of the repairs we can do for you include brake repair and replacement, battery replacements, transmission services, and repairs to the cooling system, radiator, alternator, struts, and headlights. Our technicians are well-trained and certified to do whatever work your vehicle requires. Express Car Wash Our Express Car Wash, located next door to our dealership, helps you keep your vehicle looking good on the outside while it's well-maintained under the hood. Stop by for a quick wash whenever your Mazda needs a good clean. Beyond the basics of any car wash, we also offer upgrades such as a clear coat, undercarriage wash, high-pressure tire cleaning, and hot wax. You don't have to wait until you stop by for an oil change or any repairs, either. Join the Berg Bath Club, and you can wash your vehicle as often as you like all month long. Let us help you take care of your Mazda inside and out. Visit Auffenberg Mazda of O'Fallon in Shiloh, IL to schedule your next oil change.

Regular Mazda maintenance is essential for any owner who wants their car to last a long time in good condition. Without routine oil changes, fluid checks, brake servicing, tire rotations, filter changes, transmission servicing, and other important services, your car will undergo premature decline, requiring more and more repairs until it fails altogether. Let's take a look at the main reasons why you should never miss a scheduled service and maintenance visit at your local Mazda dealership. more Decelerate Vehicle Wear and Tear Routine maintenance significantly slows down how rapidly car components wear out. Firstly, the motor oil, coolant, and other vital fluids must be kept fresh to control temperatures, combat friction, clean out debris, and generally combat wear and tear. Secondly, routine service at your local dealership allows the technician to spot potential trouble early on, thereby nipping problems in the bud and keeping all the car parts in better condition for longer. Prevent Problems from Spreading If left unattended, malfunctioning car parts can impact connected components. For example, misaligned wheels can cause problems with the tires such as uneven wear. Likewise, a clogged air filter can rapidly lead to engine problems, including misfiring, which can affect other car parts and even destroy the catalytic converter. This spread of component problems is another reason why regular maintenance and prompt repairs are essential for overall vehicle longevity. Keep Yourself Safe on the Road Collisions have an enormously detrimental impact on a vehicle's longevity. A car that's been damaged by even a minor collision may never return to its original condition and might have its functional lifespan reduced by several years. Many road accidents caused by malfunctioning car parts could have been avoided with more frequent vehicle maintenance. Not only does regular maintenance keep you safer on the road, but it also keeps your car's longevity protected as well. Maintain Vehicle Resale Value If you ever want to resell your car, or you at least want to keep the option open, then it's important to have routine vehicle servicing. These days, used car buyers almost always investigate a car's vehicle history report, which includes detailed records of every single maintenance check and repair job carried out over the years. This alone is reason enough to attend all scheduled vehicle maintenance visits at your local dealership. Schedule Routine Mazda Maintenance at Your Mazda Dealer One reason many drivers fail to properly keep up with maintenance on their cars is simply because they forget. You can help ensure this doesn't happen to you by setting up a routine maintenance schedule at your local dealership. The technicians can then remind you whenever your next visit is due. Visit Auffenberg Mazda of O'Fallon in Shiloh, IL, today to have your car checked and repaired by experienced professionals. We're a full-service dealership dedicated to providing the region's drivers with an exceptional vehicle purchasing and servicing experience.

When your car needs a new component, you can either purchase a superior quality original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part or take a gamble with a generic aftermarket part. The truth is, if you value the health and longevity of your vehicle, it's vital to always have genuine OEM parts installed at your local Mazda dealership. Let's take a detailed look at why OEM parts are crucial for your Mazda’s performance. more Zero Compatibility Problems With precisely the same dimensions and technical specifications as the original part, an OEM component fits neatly into place and works perfectly in conjunction with the other connected car parts, just as the Mazda engineers intended. Generic parts, on the other hand, often require adjustments and modifications. Even then, they rarely fit as exactly as the genuine Mazda component, which often leads to accelerated wear and tear. Superior Quality An OEM car part comes with the Mazda brand stamped on it; you can generally be confident that it's superior quality, designed to the manufacturer's stringent approval standards. With aftermarket parts, on the other hand, you never know how well-designed the component really is. Many drivers soon find out the hard way that generic car parts cannot function as well as OEM components over an extended period. Long-Term Reliability OEM car parts are built to last and at minimum perform according to manufacturer specifications, whereas generic car parts may sometimes wear down faster. Because of this, you almost always must replace generic parts more frequently, which amounts to wasted money in the long run. This can be particularly true with third-party parts that are “bargain” priced. The excess unnecessary repair jobs that generic parts lead to also increase your vehicle maintenance costs. Thus, if peace of mind and long-term cost savings are important to you, always opt for OEM components. Better Vehicle Performance Modern Mazda vehicles are intricately designed machines with thousands of different parts that are all meticulously crafted to fit perfectly together for optimal performance. If you start installing parts that were not designed to the manufacturer's specific specifications and standards, however, your vehicle's handling and overall performance may steadily decline. Not only will this reduce your driving pleasure, but it can also negatively impact your road safety and the lifespan of your car. Visit Your Mazda Dealer Today for Genuine Mazda Parts The factory-trained and certified technicians at your local Mazda dealership can show you just how much better quality OEM car parts are than generic components. Designed to Mazda's specifications, genuine parts are also far quicker and easier to install, saving you valuable time in addition to money on further replacements and unnecessary repairs. Visit Auffenberg Mazda of O'Fallon in Shiloh, IL, today to have high-quality new car parts promptly installed by experienced professionals. We're a locally trusted dealership offering excellent cars, deals, and customer service.

Your Mazda's transmission is a complex and essential component. Basically, what it does is to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. Neglecting transmission service can lead to costly repairs and even premature failure, so knowing the signs that it’s time for transmission service for your Mazda at the local dealer will save you money in the end. Check out these signs and symptoms that may indicate transmission problems. more Strange Noises Grinding, whining, or clunking sounds when you're shifting gears are often a sign of worn transmission components. These noises might be intermittent or worsen under specific conditions. Delayed Shifting If your Mazda hesitates or feels sluggish when changing gears, it could be the car telling you that there are problems with the transmission fluid or internal wear. Head to your local dealership to have the problem diagnosed and addressed as soon as possible. Rough Shifting Harsh or jerky gear changes might indicate you've got some damaged components or low transmission fluid levels. Rough shifting is always a bad sign and should be addressed right away. Burning Smell A burning smell emanating from under your car, particularly after driving for an extended period, is a telltale sign you've got some overheating. Check your transmission fluid to see if the fluid itself has a burned smell, but regardless, get the problem diagnosed. Leaking Fluid Reddish fluid pooling under your car after it's been parked could be transmission fluid. Transmission fluid leaks can lead to serious problems if left unchecked. Check Engine Light While the check engine light can illuminate for various reasons, sometimes it's triggered by a transmission-related issue. It could, however, mean any number of things have gone wrong, and none should be ignored. Have your mechanic diagnose the code to pinpoint the problem. How Often Should You Service Your Mazda's Transmission? While it's always best to consult your Mazda owner's manual for specific recommendations, usually you'll be needing a transmission fluid flush every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. However, more frequent service may be necessary depending on your driving habits: if you're always doing heavy towing, off-roading, or, ahem, "spirited" driving, your transmission may experience more wear and tear and you'll need service more often. Benefits of Regular Service at the Mazda Dealer Proactive transmission maintenance offers several benefits, starting with simply extending your transmission's lifespan. Regular service helps prevent premature wear and prolong the life of your transmission. In addition, a well-maintained transmission ensures that you'll always enjoy smooth shifting and optimal power delivery. Catching minor transmission issues early on can avoid major repairs that are often far more expensive down the road. Never ignore the signs of problems above. Diagnosing transmission problems before they get serious can save you significant time, money, and hassle in the long run, and it ensures your Mazda will perform just as you expect for as long as possible. From routine maintenance to major repairs, our factory-certified technicians are ready to tackle any job. Schedule service at Auffenberg Mazda of O'Fallon today to get any service you need.

If your vehicle's electronics are faltering, then your car battery might be on its last legs. Let's take a look at seven noticeable signs of a failing battery. You can have a new car battery installed at once at your local Mazda dealership. Let’s check out seven signs your Mazda might need a new car battery. more 1. Fading Headlights Headlights are essential for safe driving after dark. If your car battery is struggling to hold or deliver a full charge, you may find your headlights dimming, especially when the engine's idling. They might become brighter when you accelerate, which allows the alternator to send more power to the dying battery. But as the battery continues to weaken, your headlights will eventually fail altogether. 2. Slow Engine Starts One of the most frustrating results of a bad car battery is the engine failing to start. Before the problem develops to this stage, your engine will probably become slower to turn over. This is a sign that it's time to have your car battery tested or replaced. 3. Fading Dashboard Lights Given how important the dashboard is in modern cars, it can be disconcerting to find the dashboard lights and dials flickering. If your dashboard lights start to flicker or fade, the battery may well be to blame. 4. Multiple Electronics Slowing All the electronic components of your vehicle depend on the battery for power, especially when the engine isn't running. If you find more than one electronic accessory slowing down or malfunctioning at the same time, you may need a new battery. 5. Leaking Battery Acid When a car battery becomes damaged by age, vibrations, internal shorts, or corrosion, it might crack open and start to leak. Battery acid produces a strong and unpleasant sulfur smell that you're likely to detect from within the cabin. A leaking battery always has to go. 6. Warped Chassis or Corroded Terminals If you pop the hood and look at your battery, you'll see what kind of shape it's in. Aging or damaged batteries sometimes begin to warp and become malformed and sometimes corrosion can build up on the terminals. Any such damage usually means the battery needs to be replaced. 7. Aging Battery Most car batteries have a lifespan of about three to five years. This may vary depending on your driving habits. It's wise to start checking your battery more frequently after the three-year mark. Once a battery reaches five years of age, it's usually time for a new one. Have Your Battery Tested at Your Local Mazda Dealer If you're unsure of the condition of your current car battery, you can have it examined and tested at your local dealership. A trusted technician can quickly test the voltage with a multimeter and let you know whether or not you need a new one. Visit Auffenberg Mazda of O'Fallon today in Shiloh, IL, to have your car battery checked or replaced. We're a full-service dealership offering great deals and customer service to the region's drivers.